Title: Inferno
Author: Eileen Myles
First published November 1, 2008
256 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781935928065 (ISBN10: 1935928066)
Rating: 3.9
Overview
“Get ready to dive into a world of raw lesbian intimacy that will leave you breathless. Inferno by Eileen Myles takes you on a journey of self-discovery and creative exploration through the vibrant and chaotic streets of New York City during its punk and indie scene.
Follow the story of a young female writer as she uncovers her sexuality and learns to embrace her artistic passion. With a voice from the underground that redefines the meaning of the word, Inferno is an engrossing, poignant, and humorous chronicle that will ignite your soul with its energy and vividness.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.”
About the Author
Eileen Myles is an accomplished American poet and writer, having produced over twenty volumes of various literary works including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, libretti, plays, and performance pieces. Their talent has earned them the prestigious LAMBDA Literary Award, and they have been active in the literary world for the past thirty years.
Editoral Review
Inferno, a novel by Eileen Myles, was first published on November 1, 2008. Myles is an American poet, novelist, and performer, and Inferno is her seventh novel.
The book belongs to the genre of contemporary fiction, with a style that is both experimental and accessible. The themes of the book revolve around identity, desire, and the search for meaning in a world that is constantly changing.
The plot of the book follows the life of a young woman named Eileen, who moves to New York City in the 1970s to pursue a career as a writer. She struggles to find her place in the literary scene, and her relationships with men and women are often fraught with tension and confusion.
The setting of the book is the bohemian world of downtown New York, with its cafes, bars, and art galleries.
The conflicts in the book arise from Eileen’s attempts to reconcile her desire for success with her sense of artistic integrity. She is constantly torn between the need to fit in and the desire to stand out.
She also grapples with questions of sexuality and gender, as she explores her attraction to both men and women.
The historical and cultural significance of the book lies in its portrayal of the feminist and queer movements of the 1970s. Myles captures the spirit of that era, with its emphasis on individual freedom and experimentation.
At the same time, she highlights the challenges that women and LGBTQ+ people faced in a society that was often hostile to their aspirations.
In terms of critical analysis, Inferno is a beautifully written novel that is both poetic and raw. Myles has a gift for language, and her prose is both lyrical and precise.
The character development is also impressive, as Eileen emerges as a complex and nuanced protagonist. The pacing of the book is slow but deliberate, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the world of the novel.
The themes of the book are universal, and they resonate with readers of all backgrounds. The search for identity, the struggle for acceptance, and the quest for meaning are all timeless issues that continue to be relevant today.
Myles handles these themes with sensitivity and insight, making Inferno a novel that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
In terms of flaws or limitations, some readers may find the pacing of the book to be too slow. There are also moments when the narrative becomes too self-indulgent, as Eileen’s introspection can be overwhelming at times.
Overall, Inferno is a highly recommended novel for anyone who is interested in contemporary fiction, feminist literature, or LGBTQ+ writing. It is a beautifully crafted book that offers a unique perspective on the world we live in.
With its poetic language, complex characters, and universal themes, Inferno is a novel that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading it.
Rating: 4.5/5.0.
